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NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Recover Function – Restoring Operations After a Cyber Incident

Staff Reporter
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NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Recover Function – Restoring Operations After a Cyber Incident

In today’s ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, organizations must not only focus on preventing and responding to cyber incidents but also on how they recover from them. The Recover function of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework plays a critical role in ensuring business continuity after a security event. This function emphasizes timely recovery and resilience, enabling organizations to restore services while mitigating future risks.

Understanding the NIST Recover Function

The Recover function is designed to help organizations quickly restore their capabilities and services after a cybersecurity incident. It focuses on building resilience and integrating lessons learned to strengthen future responses. The key categories within the Recover function include:

  • Recovery Planning: Developing and implementing recovery processes and procedures.
  • Improvements: Updating response and recovery strategies based on past incidents.
  • Communications: Coordinating with stakeholders, customers, and external partners during and after recovery.

Key Components of the Recover Function

1. Recovery Planning

A well-defined recovery plan ensures an organization can restore its critical operations with minimal downtime. This includes:

  • Establishing documented procedures for system restoration.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities for recovery teams.
  • Prioritizing essential business functions and assets for recovery.
  • Implementing redundant systems and failover mechanisms.

2. Continuous Improvement

Cybersecurity threats evolve, and so must an organization’s ability to recover. By analyzing previous incidents and conducting post-mortem assessments, organizations can:

  • Identify weaknesses in their cybersecurity posture.
  • Enhance their incident response and recovery processes.
  • Train employees on best practices for incident recovery.
  • Invest in technology solutions that support a faster and more secure recovery.

3. Effective Communication

Transparent and structured communication during recovery is essential to maintain trust with stakeholders. Organizations should:

  • Keep internal teams informed about recovery progress.
  • Notify customers and partners about potential impacts and resolutions.
  • Coordinate with regulators and law enforcement as needed.

Leveraging Technology for Recovery

To effectively execute the Recover function, organizations can leverage advanced security tools such as:

  • Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) solutions to maintain secure copies of critical data.
  • Incident Response Platforms (IRPs) to streamline recovery efforts.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to monitor recovery progress.
  • Application Whitelisting solutions, such as PC Matic Pro, to ensure only trusted applications run post-recovery, reducing the risk of reinfection.

Benefits of a Strong Recover Strategy

  • Minimized Downtime: Rapid restoration of critical systems reduces operational disruptions.
  • Enhanced Customer Trust: Clear communication and swift action reinforce credibility.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting cybersecurity standards helps avoid legal and financial penalties.
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Strengthening recovery processes ensures long-term cybersecurity resilience.

Conclusion

The Recover function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is crucial for ensuring organizations can bounce back quickly from cyber incidents. By developing comprehensive recovery plans, continuously improving strategies, and utilizing advanced security technologies, businesses can effectively mitigate risks and maintain operational stability. Investing in cybersecurity resilience today ensures a safer and more secure tomorrow.

About the Author:

Kip Kirchberg

Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.

His expertise includes, but is not limited to:

  • Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
  • Endpoint security solutions
  • Managing third-party remote access securely
  • Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
  • Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
  • Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
  • Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
  • Building and maintaining incident response teams
  • Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
  • Conducting internal and external penetration testing

With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.

Book time with Me:

Contact

Pair Arrested For House Burglary In Davenport

Carl Fish
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Pair Arrested For House Burglary In Davenport

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested John Curtis Glover of St. Cloud and Harold Humphrey Jr. in connection to a burglary and fraudulent credit card scheme. The arrest follows an extensive investigation allegedly linking Glover and an accomplice, Humphrey Jr., to the theft of valuable electronics, personal items, and the unauthorized use of stolen credit cards across multiple locations in Florida.

The Burglary and Stole Items

On August 3, 2024, Davenport home owners on Coventry Rd returned to their home at approximately 11:00 PM to find their door unlocked but with no signs of forced entry. The couple, who use a key code to access their residence, discovered several high-value items missing, including a Lenovo Legion laptop ($3,000), a Fire tablet ($200), two Nintendo Switch consoles ($1,000), a Samsung watch ($1,000), a purse, and multiple American Express credit cards.

The burglary occurred while the home owners were visiting Universal Studios. They first became aware of suspicious activity when they received fraud notifications from American Express about unauthorized charges made that evening.

Fraudulent Transactions Lead Investigators to Suspects

Following the burglary, the stolen credit cards were used at multiple locations in Polk and Osceola counties, including:

• Dollar Tree (Kissimmee) – $43.81 at 8:53 PM

• Target (Kissimmee) – Two separate transactions totaling $468.12 at 8:21 PM and 8:23 PM

• Puff Stuff Smoke Shop (Davenport) – $126.74 at 7:22 PM

• Circle K (Davenport) – $55.66 at 6:50 PM

• Checkers (Kissimmee) – $6.34 at 9:59 PM

• Shell Gas Station – $130.78 at 10:12 PM

The total value of fraudulent charges amounted to $833.45.

Detective Rivera obtained surveillance footage from these locations, revealing a white male wearing a gray shirt making purchases with the stolen cards. Another suspect, seen in a Florida Gators long-sleeve shirt and gray hat, was identified purchasing Airbnb gift cards at Target.

Breakthrough in the Case

Authorities tracked a Lenovo laptop ping to a location in Kissimmee, leading them to a gray Ford Fusion registered to Humphrey, Jr’s mother. After contacting her, she identified her son, Harold Humphrey Jr., as the suspect in the video. She also provided his real-time location, leading officers to a residence on Pickering Drive, Kissimmee.

At the residence, another individual, allegedly confirmed that Harold was the person seen in surveillance footage and mentioned that several laptops and a Nintendo Switch were inside the home.

After being read his Miranda rights, Harold alley confessed to using the stolen credit cards but denied involvement in the burglary. He also identified the second suspect as John Curtis Glover.

Glover’s Arrest and Evidence Collection

Further investigation linked John Glover to the case. Surveillance footage from Checkers showed a blue Chevrolet Silverado with large chrome rims at the drive-thru during a fraudulent purchase. Investigators traced the truck to Glover, confirming it was registered in his name.

Authorities contacted Glover’s family, who reportedly identified him as the suspect in the Florida Gators shirt seen in various surveillance videos.

Investigators concluded that Glover and Humphrey unlawfully entered the Davenport home with the intent to commit theft. They were allegedly responsible for stealing and attempting to profit from the victims’ belongings, including electronics and financial assets.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Based on the evidence, both suspects now face charges for:

• Burglary

• Grand Theft

• Fraudulent use of a credit card

• Possession of stolen property

Florida Man Arrested for Shooting at Semi-Truck on Highway 60 In Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Florida Man Arrested for Shooting at Semi-Truck on Highway 60 In Lake Wales

On March 21, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire on Highway 60 near Grape Hammock Road in Lake Wales, Florida. The victim, a semi-truck driver, stated that a black pickup truck fired multiple shots at his vehicle during a passing maneuver.

According to the victim, he was legally overtaking a slower-moving car when the suspect, driving a dark-colored pickup truck, approached at high speed. As the highway merged into a single lane, the pickup truck passed illegally over the double yellow lines. The truck driver then saw the pickup’s driver pointing a handgun at him before hearing four to five gunshots. The victim pulled over safely and discovered four bullet holes in the driver’s side fender.

Deputies reviewed dashcam footage and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for a black pickup truck with a “Punisher skull” decal. Investigators identified the vehicle as belonging to Danielle Gens of Fellsmere, FL, and later confirmed her husband, Mitchell Gens, was driving at the time of the incident.

On 3/21/25 at 1145 hours, PCSO received a 911 call regarding a suspect having fired shots into the cab of a semi-truck as they traveled westbound on Hwy 60 near Grape Hammock Rd., Lake Wales, FL.

The following is a long exerpt from the Lakeland Police affidavit and specifically Detective Heather Benthal (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

 Contact was made with the victim, REDACTED, who was driving a maroon semi with a flatbed trailer.  He advised that he was in the pass section of Hwy 60 Westbound and was overtaking a slower, smaller car.  After having passed the car, REDACTED began to maneuver back into the outside (slow) lane.  He checked his mirrors before initiating the lane change and the traffic was clear.  As he started into the outer lane he observed a dark colored pickup truck overtaking him at a high rate of speed.  The driver of the pickup slammed on the breaks to avoid a possible collision and REDACTED was able to safely maneuver into the outer lane as the lanes merged.  
  
    As the traffic lanes merged back into one, the driver of the pickup pulled up on the left side of REDACTED ‘s truck and passed him by driving over the yellow lines.  As the pickup passed, REDACTED looked down and observed the lone occupant of the pickup aiming a pistol at him.  He then heard 4 to 5 gun shots as the pickup sped away.  A few moments later the dashboard warning lights on the semi lit up and REDACTED was able to safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road.  REDACTED said that he felt that had he not hit the brakes to slow down when he saw the pistol, the suspect would have hit his door and possibly him.

   REDACTED observed four bullet holes in the driver’s side fender over the wheel well of his truck and called 911.

 D/S Self #9762, arrived on scene and viewed REDACTED‘s dashcam footage.  He issued a radio BOLO for a black pickup truck with a “punisher skull” decal on rear window.  Through investigative means, the truck was identified as belonging to Danielle Gens from Fellsmere, FL and bearing a Florida tag of 17AWEV.

 Your affiant responded to the incident location and inspected the damage to the semi.  Four bullet holes were observed in the driver’s side cowling.  Two above the wheel well and two between the wheel well and the driver’s door.  At least one bullet pit a radiator hose or pump and disabled the truck.  A sworn recorded interview was conducted with REDACTED at the scene.
 
    Contact was made with Danielle Gens and she advised that her husband, Mitchell Gens, drives that truck.

   Phone contact was made with Mitchell Gens and during a recorded conversation, he stated that the semi-truck driver cut him off and as he passed the driver swerved at him placing him in fear for his safety.  He had his Sig 9mm pistol in the seat next to him so he fired “two shots at the tire” of the semi.  Gens advised that if charged, he would turn himself in once he speaks with his attorney.

 The video clearly shows the suspect passing in a no passing zone and partially occupying the oncoming lane and straddling two sets of double yellow lines.  At no time does it appear that the semi swerved at the pickup truck in an aggressive manner.

 Nobody was injured in this incident.

Gens is not a convicted felon and no injunctions or other firearms restrictions were found during the FCIC/NCIC check.

Missing Lakeland Man Found Deceased

Carl Fish
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Missing Lakeland Man Found Deceased

LAKELAND, FL (March 24, 2025) – On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a deceased male was located in a rural area of unincorporated Polk County, just east of where Mr. Keen’s vehicle was found in the 2800 block of County Line Road in Plant City. The male was in a state of decomposition; however, no trauma or injuries were observed. On March 24, 2025, the decedent was positively identified as Howard Keen. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be overseeing the death investigation. 

*****ORIGINAL POST*****

LAKELAND, FL (March 18, 2025) – On March 7, 2025, the Lakeland Police Department received a missing person’s report for Howard Keen, age 58. Mr. Keen left a family member’s residence in Lakeland the morning of February 24, 2025, and was last seen on February 25, 2025, at a residence in the 2800 block of County Line Road in Plant Citywhere he left his vehicle. 

Mr. Keen is around 5’9” tall and weighs 150 lbs. He was last seen wearing a blue polo shirt and black shorts. In addition to the Plant City area, he is known to frequent the Saddle Creek Campground on Morgan Combee Road. 

If you have any information which can help locate Howard Keen, please contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6966, Detective Sharrett at 863.834-6964 / [email protected] or Investigative Aide Williams at 863.834.8974/[email protected]

The Democrats’ Losing Play: Obsessing Over Trump Instead of Fixing Their Game

Following Complaints Of Lewd Activity Polk Deputies Make Arrest At Saddle Creek Park

Carl Fish
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Following Complaints Of Lewd Activity Polk Deputies Make Arrest At Saddle Creek Park

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m., James Willard Garland of Polk City, Florida, was arrested after allegedly offering to commit a lewd act on an undercover detective at Saddle Creek Park in Polk County. The arrest followed an undercover operation responding to reports of public lewd activity.

Garland allegedly engaged in conversation with the detective and agreed to perform oral sex. When the detective revealed his identity, Garland was taken into custody. He later claimed he had stopped at the park to urinate before visiting a cattle auction. A trespass warning was issued, barring him from all Polk County parks.

WARNING DISTURBING CONTENT

The following is a long exerpt from the Lakeland Police affidavit and specifically Detective Heather Benthal (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

The Democrats’ Losing Play: Obsessing Over Trump Instead of Fixing Their Game

“On March 18th, 2025, at approximately 1140 hours, the defendant, James Willard Garland, did offer to commit a lewd act on undercover detective REDACTED, hereinafter referred to as the UC detective). An undercover operation was conducted in respouse to reports of lewd activity occurring in the public’s plain view in the area of Saddle Creek Park, Polk County, FL. A trespass warning was issued to the defendant for all Polk County parks.

The UC detective stated he was sitting in his vehicle within Saddle Creek Park when the defendant, later identified as James Williard Garland, pulled up in his vehicle. Both the UC detective and the defendant exited their vehicles. The UC detective advised he engaged in conversation with the defendant about the park and the weather. The UC detective asked the defendant what he liked to do, to which the defendant replied that he liked to do a lot of things, such as meet people. The UC detective asked the defendant if he liked to “give or get”, to which the defendant replied that he liked blow jobs. The UC detective asked the defendant if he wanted to “blow” him, referring to oral sex, to which he replied “yes”. The UC detective asked if the defendant would “blow” him after, to which the defendant replied it was dependent on his hygiene. The UC detective identified himself as an undercover detective with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and placed the defendant into custody.

Refer to REDACTED supplemental report for further details.

At approximately 1155 hours, your affiant read the defendant his Miranda rights from an agency issued Miranda warning card. The defendant advised he understood his rights. The defendant advised he stopped by Saddle Creek to urinate before visiting the cattle auction. The defendant stated both he and the UC detective exited their vehicles. The defendant advised he was approached by the UC detective who asked him what he liked to do. The defendant stated he was unable to recall much of the conversation, but recalled that the UC detective asked him “if I give you a blow job, will you give me a blow job?”.

Based on the aforementioned facts, the defendant was arrested for offer/commit/engage in lewdness. The defendant was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center (SPC) without incident.”

Polk Deputy Charged With Forging Document

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputy Charged With Forging Document

A former Polk County deputy, who had been employed as a trainee and deputy Sheriff for less than 11 months, was arrested by the agency on Thursday, March 20, 2025 after an investigation showed that he had signed a victim’s name to a document in an official report. 

21-year old Jake Germak was booked-in to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Forgery (F3), Uttering a False Instrument (F3), Use ID of another Person without Consent (F3), and Public Servant Altering Official Document (F3). 

Germak resigned at the time of his arrest; had he not resigned, his employment would have been terminated by the PCSO.

“Public servants must be held to a higher standard, and dishonesty will not be tolerated. Germak’s conduct was unethical and criminal, and we are making sure he will be held responsible.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Following Complaints Of Lewd Activity Polk Deputies Make Arrest At Saddle Creek Park

Germak investigated a theft complaint on March 17, 2025, but failed to get the victim to sign a document as required. 

Later that night, Germak attempted to call and text the victim. In the first text, Germak informed the victim that he needed her to fill out a form that had to be included in the report. 

In Germak’s second text to the victim, he told her that he “got it handled.”

On March 18th, when detectives began the follow-up investigation of the theft, they made contact with the victim who mentioned the text messages from Germak. She also said that she spoke with Germak after receiving the texts, and he had mentioned to her that she had signed the documents, which she knew she did not do.

Detectives obtained the document that Germak had turned in with his report, and the victim’s signature did not match her signatures on other official documents. 

When PCSO detectives confronted Germak about the discrepancy, he admitted to signing the victim’s name to the document. 

Jake Germak was hired by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on April 29, 2024.

J.C. Reviews: Go Watch The Day The Earth Blew Up! It’s Good!

Staff Reporter
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J.C. Reviews: Go Watch The Day The Earth Blew Up! It’s Good!
#image_title

by James Coulter

Warner Bros. has been doing the Looney Tunes dirty lately. Last year, they shelved the movie Coyote Vs Acme as a tax write-off, even though the movie had been completed. And as of this month, Max has removed all the classic Looney Tunes cartoons from its streaming service.

The Day The Earth Blew Up nearly suffered a similar fate as Coyote vs Acme. Originally, this animated Looney Tunes movie was going to be released on Max and Cartoon Network. However, in 2022, the movie was shelved.

The film, now picked up and distributed through Ketchup Entertainment, has since premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival last year, and had received a limited theatrical release before expanding wide as of this month.

But was this animated Looney Tunes movie worth retrieving from the ACME vault? Or does it deserve to be thrown into the Warner Water Tower along with the Animaniacs?

The Day The Earth Blew Up stars Porky Pig and Daffy Duck. After a meteor crashes through their roof, the cartoon duo need to get jobs to pay for the repairs or else risk losing their home. However, the meteor contains a mysterious green goop that’s being infused in chewing gum and turning people into mindless zombies. Can the duck and pig work together to stop this bad sci-fi movie premise?

Do you love the Looney Tunes? Do you love retro sci-fi B-movies like The Day the Earth Stood Still or The Blob? Do you just love animated movies in general and wish not every single one was computer animated? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you will love this movie.

The Day The Earth Blew Up is pure Looney Tunes goodness. The movie was animated by the same team that created the New Looney Tunes shorts for Max. The art style and animation perfectly emulates the classic Bob Clampett-style Looney Tunes shorts with all of their squash-and-stretch goodness.

Though, to be honest, sometimes the near-perfect emulation of classic Looney Tunes animation can be a bit of a fault to a tee. It’s rather uncanny to watch a movie with 1940s-style cel animation with references to Starbucks, smart phones, and influencer culture.

The plot is a loving (and biting) homage to sci-fi B movies from the 50s and 60s like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing. It’s your typical alien invasion/zombie storyline with a very unique and hilarious plot twist at the very end.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the movie is how surprisingly heartwarming it can be. For a movie filled with squash-and-stretch slapstick, there’s plenty of moments that are truly touching. No spoilers, but the movie is about Porky and Daffy learning to support each other in the absence of a father figure. And those moments can tug at your heart.

Honestly, there’s not much else I can say about this movie that isn’t, “if you love classic Looney Tunes, you’ll love this movie.” In a time when 2D animation is sidelined in favor of 3D animation, when the Looney Tunes are threatened with being give the dip by Warner Bros. over tax breaks, we need to support movies like The Day The Earth Blew Up now more than ever.

#image_title

Cooking on the Ridge: Toad in the Hole

Staff Reporter
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Cooking on the Ridge: Toad in the Hole
#image_title

by James Coulter

St. Patrick’s Day was this month. So, what would be more fitting for the Irish holiday than cooking…British food?

Originally, I was going to prepare corned beef and cabbage, but I decided not to since no one else in my family likes corned beef. (Also, someone already posted a Cooking on the Ridge article on the recipe.)

My next plan was to prepare a potato soup, but, honestly, I’ve already written an article covering a similar recipe. So, honestly, how many potato soup recipes does the website need?

So, I decided to forget Irish cuisine and hop on over to the island across from it by cooking a British dish.

I’ve been quite curious about British cuisine because of all the curious names their dishes have. Bubbles and Squeak. Bangers and Mash. Spotted dick. And the dish I’ve decided to make: Toad in the Hole.

Essentially, Toad in the Hole are sausages cooked in a puffy pastry, often served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

My attempt at this was certainly a matter of trial and error that leaned more toward error. The pastry was supposed to be fluffy while the one I prepared…eh, not so much.

Maybe next time I’ll test my skills with a simpler dish like Bangers and Mash (sausages with mashed potatoes and peas). For now, this was a good first attempt at British cooking.

#image_title

***

Toad in the Hole (from AllRecipies)

Ingredients

Batter:

4 large eggs

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 pinches cayenne pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole milk

¼ cup cold water

Sausages:

¼ cup vegetable oil

4 links pork sausage

Onion gravy:

2 tablespoons butter

1 large red onion, minced

kosher salt to taste

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons onions, spring or scallions (includes tops and bulb), raw

1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, or to taste

Directions

1) Prepare batter: Combine eggs, salt, pepper, cayenne, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour, and milk in a large bowl; whisk thoroughly until batter is very smooth and no lumps remain. Whisk in water. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

2) Prepare sausages: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausages and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the heat and transfer to a buttered 9×12- or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour oil from the skillet over the sausages; brush oil with a pastry brush all over the bottom and up the sides of the dish.

3) Start onion gravy: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and salt; sauté until soft and starting to brown, 5 to 6 minutes.

4) While onion is cooking, pour batter in and around the sausages. Place in the center of a cold oven and turn temperature to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Set oven timer for 30 minutes.

5) While toad in the hole cooks, finish onion gravy: Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth and return to a simmer. Add Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and simmer until gravy thickens up and reduces, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6) When timer goes off, remove toad in the hole from the oven; it should be browned and puffed. Spoon gravy over the sausages and garnish with green onions and chives.

7) Serve with extra gravy.

Bright Ice Handcrafted Ice Cream Hiring for New Lakeland Location

Carl Fish
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Bright Ice Handcrafted Ice Cream Hiring for New Lakeland Location

Lakeland, Florida, is about to get a little sweeter as Bright Ice, a popular handcrafted ice cream shop, is set to open a new location, 1200 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Known for its small-batch, high-quality ice cream flavors, Bright Ice has been expanding across Florida, with locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Venice, and Pinellas Park. Now, they’re bringing their unique flavors to Lakeland—and they’re looking for enthusiastic team members to join them. The location is currently doing pre-hiring now with the anticipation of opening in the very near future. It was projected for January, but delays have it opening either late March or early April.

Expresso Milkshake

Bright Ice is currently hiring for several positions at its Lakeland shop, including Team Leads, Assistant Team Leads, and Team Members. These roles reportedly offer competitive pay, with Team Leads earning between $20 to $22 per hour, while Team Members earn between $15 to $18 per hour. The company website says they pride themselves on fostering a fun, welcoming environment for both employees and customers, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about customer service and high-quality food.

Drinks & Ice Cream

As part of the job, team members will be responsible for scooping and serving delicious ice cream, ensuring customers have a memorable experience, and maintaining the shop’s friendly atmosphere. Bright Ice is known for its innovative flavors, and employees will have the chance to introduce Lakeland locals to some of their signature creations.

For those interested in joining the Bright Ice team, applications can be submitted through the company’s website: JOIN THE TEAM. This is a fantastic chance to be part of an expanding business that values creativity, teamwork, and, of course, amazing ice cream.

Pairing: Carmel Banana Ice Cream with Peanut Butter and Honey Ice Cream

Traffic Stop Turned Violent For Polk Deputies After Mexican National Arrested For Drugs, Tried Biting & Kicking Deputies

Carl Fish
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Traffic Stop Turned Violent For Polk Deputies After Mexican National Arrested For Drugs, Tried Biting & Kicking Deputies

Polk County Sheriff Press Release

A traffic stop turned violent for detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

At around 6:02 pm, the detectives performed a routine traffic stop on a white Ford Ranger pickup truck on Power Line Road, near Snell Creek Road, in Haines City.

The driver and the occupant of the passenger seat were cooperative during the stop, but the middle seat passenger was not.

Detectives noticed the man had pulled a white baggie from his pocket, and attempted to hide it behind him.

As the detectives reached in to remove him from the vehicle, he attempted to bite one of the detectives, elbowed a detective in the face, and kicked another detective multiple times on her legs.

During the struggle, the suspect put the white baggie into his mouth.

Detectives were able to secure the suspect in handcuffs, and found him to be in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect was identified as 60-year old Esteban Fernandez Uriostegui from Mexico.

Prior to going to the Polk County Jail, detectives took Fernandez Uriostegui to a local hospital to be checked-out as a precaution due to the baggie of cocaine that he appeared to have swallowed.

Once Fernandez Uriostegui was cleared, he was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3, 3-counts), Resisting and Officer with Violence (F3), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Possession of Cocaine (F3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

“This violent suspect is in the United States illegally from Mexico. Because of that, each of his crimes was enhanced by one degree because of his unlawful entry into the U.S.—as a result of a new state law that went into effect last month. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified, which means we should be seeing no more criminal behavior (in the U.S., at least) from this particular individual.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

None of the PCSO detectives were injured during the arrest of Esteban Fernandez Uriostegui.

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